 JUNE 4 • 2020 | 31

ficial to my music and my art,
” 
he said. “I learned about mix-
ing colors…and the different 
processes of layering paint in a 
positive, fun atmosphere.
”

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
In addition to providing numer-
ous creative opportunities, the 
program utilizes certified thera-
pists who help coordinate mem-
bers’
 chosen activities with their 
individual treatment goals. This 
includes art and music therapy 
and a drum circle that helps 
members focus on feelings and 
personal identity within a sup-
portive group setting. 
A family culinary arts ther-
apy program brings members 
together with family and friends 
for a joint meal planning and 
cooking session that includes 
opportunities for socialization 
and problem solving. 
“This is not just a ‘
feel good’
 
program,
” Adelman said. 
“When we’
re engaging with 
people with persistent mental 
illness, we need to know we’
re 
doing good work.
”

FLOURISHING TALENT 
For Michael, whose musical 
talents include singing, guitar 
playing and piano, the music 
enrichment classes are a natural 
choice. 
“It’
s great. I get to sing, dance, 
move to the music, interact with 
the other clients, perform before 
groups and work with DSO 
musicians,
” he said.
Michael, who majored in 
journalism at Michigan State 
University and considers him-
self “a bit of a wordsmith,
” also 

enjoyed the creative writing 
workshops. He recalls a writing 
assignment where members 
were asked to imagine they 
were super heroes.
“My super powers would be 
empathy, peace, love and under-
standing,
” he said.
Michael had fun staging 
a King Kong-style scene in 
the photography class and 
enjoyed painting a fountain at 
Cranbrook Gardens in the plein 
air course last summer.
Miriam, who began playing 
the violin in third grade, is 
another regular member of the 
music program. In addition to 
learning from DSO musicians, 
she worked with a music thera-
pist to choose themes and songs 
that optimized her talents and 
musical preferences. She was 
thrilled to perform in front of 
friends and family members at 
Orchestra Hall in the recital that 
culminates each session.
“It’
s therapeutic to both 
learn and become more con-
fident with my playing,
” said 
Miriam, who likes Jewish music 
and wants to learn how to 
play “Canon in D” by Johann 
Pachelbel.

CREATIVITY GOES VIRTUAL
When the pandemic hit, 
Kadima staff worked quickly to 
adapt programming so mem-
bers can participate from the 
safety of their homes. The DSO 
music enrichment classes are 
taking place over Zoom. New 
additions include a songwrit-
ing class and a special session 
for members who are new to 
the music program. A virtual 

photography class with CCS 
instructor Gabby Baginski is 
under way. 
Nowak is leading a creative 
writing class where each mem-
ber begins a story and passes it 
along until each member has 
written an installment. 
“It’
s been keeping them active 
and very creative, too,
” said 
Nowak, who is distributing 
tablets to members who don’
t 
have computers at home. “It’
s 
important that everyone stay 
connected.
”
Art therapist Shazia Siddiqi 
from “Let’
s Art About It” in 
Clawson is providing weekly 
individual sessions online. 
In addition, Nowak has 
designed creativity kits that 
include a variety of adult col-
oring books and sketchbooks, 
acrylic and watercolor painting 
supplies, clay, knitting and 
crochet kits, hat and scarf 
looms, embroidery kits, origa-
mi, beading kits, and collage 
materials. All of the kits come 
with instructions and links to 
YouTube videos.
While the venues have 
changed, the artists are as pro-
lific as ever. During the past 

several weeks, Joel has written 
the story for his graphic novel 
and drawn 100 new pages. 
The Creative Expressions 
program is funded by grants 
from the Community 
Foundation for Southeast 
Michigan and the D. Dan and 
Betty Kahn Foundation, in 
addition to private donations. 
An art exhibition is now online, 
in lieu of the canceled June 
fundraising benefit at Rustbelt 
Market in Ferndale. People 
can see members’
 art by visit-
ingkadimacenter.org/events/
frame-of-mind. The Creative 
Expressions Program will be 
showcased again at Kadima’
s 
annual Community Awards 
Night, scheduled for Oct. 8, at 
the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
For Adelman, the payoff is 
seeing members blossom as a 
result of their participation in 
the arts program.
“Seeing people who otherwise 
tend to be withdrawn realize 
they can do things they couldn’
t 
do before … It translates to the 
rest of their lives,
” Adelman. 
said “These are the steps that 
lead to recovery, happiness and 
a positive self-image.
” 

TOP: Kadima artists Madison Dunbar (sitting) and Brittany Strickland work col-
laboratively on a mural painting. BOTTOM: DSO musician Jeremy Crosmer joins 
Kadima’
s Miriam Weiner at a performance.

